Animals

North American Raccoon

This animal is not on exhibit in the habitats. It is one of our Animal Ambassadors and is used in public and school programs.

Latin Name

Procyon lotor

Raccoon History at CuriOdyssey

One of our female raccoons was a former pet and was eventually turned over to a Wisconsin wildlife rehab center. Another female was found under someone’s porch and hand-fed and handled by the residents. She was eventually given to the Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee. Both females were deemed unreleasable because they were habituated to humans, and both came to CuriOdyssey in 2013. The two male raccoons were both captive born at the Audubon Zoo in Louisiana.

Birth Date

The two females were born in 2010 and 2013. Both males were born in 2014.

Fun Facts about Raccoons

Although their Latin name lotor means “one who washes”, raccoons do not actually wash their food. Raccoons have a heightened sense of touch. In the wild, they will rub, feel, and dunk, using their highly dexterous and sensitive front paws in order to locate and capture aquatic prey.

What do Raccoons eat?

In the wild, North American Raccoons eat eggs, berries, fruit, acorns, seeds, crustaceans, and insects. They will also occasionally prey on small vertebrates like rodents, small birds, and baby rabbits.

How long do Raccoons live?

In the wild North American Raccoons live up to six years. In captivity life-span range from 10 to 13 years.

Where do Raccoons live?

North American Raccoons are found almost everywhere. They prefer damp areas like parks, farmland, cities, and suburbs. They like large tree cavities for dens.

They range in North America from southern Canada to Panama.

Are Raccoons endangered?

As of this moment, North American Raccoons have no special wildlife conversation status. Raccoon hunting is prevalent during September-December each year, especially in eastern North America. High fur prices ($25-$50 each) during the 1970’s intensified the interest in hunting and trapping raccoons. Nighttime hunting with specially bred hounds has a long tradition, second only, perhaps, to that of English fox hunting. Over four million raccoons are harvested annually this way or by trapping, and many others die each year on roads.

Adopt me!

Your contribution helps provide my food, toys, and medical care. I’ll stay at the museum, and you’ll get a photo of me and a certificate as reminders of your generosity. Check out our adoption section and see all of our adoption levels.